News

The pier's pilings are failing and the only way to replace or repair them is to bring the entire pier up to current code standards. Plastic-wrapped, pressure treated pilings with cross bracing and higher rails are just a few of the requirements. This means replacing the pier entirely. Replacement requires a new permit and an engineered plan. Our Coastal and Housing and Community Development permits require us to build a wastewater system and restrooms/showers. To complicate things further, we have been informed by Marin County that they will not be approving any permits for us until we have our Coastal Permit requirements completed. With some luck, the Coastal Commission will a approve the wastewater system permit this year with construction to begin soon thereafter. We can't pay for a wastewater system and a new pier (We're honestly a bit concerned about just the wastewater system). Unfortunately the pier will have to wait. No, we're not happy about this, either. There are grants available for public piers and we will be applying for them. We don't know how long it will take, but it is our hope that having a public agency involved will change the (for the better) how Marin County may feel about issuing a permit.

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) lifted health advisories today related to sport-harvested bivalve shellfish in Marin and Ventura counties. The advisories are being lifted for whole scallops and all clams. The advisories were issued due to dangerous levels of naturally occurring paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) toxins that can cause illness or death. Recent testing shows PSP toxins have decreased to safe or undetectable levels.

These warnings do not apply to commercially sold clams, mussels, scallops or oysters from approved sources. State law permits only state-certified commercial shellfish harvesters or dealers to sell these products. Shellfish sold by certified harvesters and dealers are subject to frequent mandatory testing to monitor for toxins.

PSP toxins affect the central nervous system, producing a tingling around the mouth and fingertips within a few minutes to a few hours after eating toxic shellfish. These symptoms are typically followed by loss of balance, lack of muscular coordination, slurred speech and difficulty swallowing. In severe poisonings, complete muscular paralysis and death from asphyxiation can occur.

The California Department of Public Health has issued a warning to not eat sport-caught bivalves from Marin and Sonoma Counties. This includes clams, cockles and mussels. High levels of PSP (Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning) have been found in mussels and clams from Tomales Bay. The clam sample had over 8 times the warning level of PSP toxin. Earlier this week an individual that ate mussels was hospitalized with PSP symptoms. Testing of the clams and mussels will continue. Crabs and fish are not affected.

While the North Bay Fires have impacted our air quality and rained ashes on the beach, we are luckily positioned far from the fires. Our air is expected to clear by tomorrow and we expect normal conditions for the weekend. If you're in a position where you might want to head out to the coast, we're here for you.

Come join us this December! It's the best time of the year here at the beach. Camping spots are open and plentiful... The sunsets are beautiful and abundant! The most recent Dungeness crab tests are back, and domoic acid levels are now completly safe! Personal and Commercial crabbing is open and abundant!!

Both Dungeness and red crab sport seasons are open here. The California Department of Public Health recommends cleaning your crabs before cooking them and warns that the "butter", or viscera , of the crabs not be eaten due to elevated levels of domoic acid in the crabs. The viscera collects more of the toxin than the meat does and testing has shown the meat to be safe. Most crabbers have been catching enough for dinner both on the pier and inside Tomales Bay, although boaters have been more successful on average. We have a good supply of crab gear and bait in the store.